Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum

Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈2.5%) and Beta-Glucan (est. ≈2.4%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Beta-Glucan and Ubiquinone, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈2.5%) and Beta-Glucan (est. ≈2.4%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Paula's Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Beta-Glucan (est. ≈2.4%) and Sea Whip Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
Water
6
Glycerin
2.5
Hyaluronic Acid
2.4
Beta-Glucan
2
Sea Whip Extract
1.5
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Ceramide NP
0.3
Ceramide AP
0.3
Ceramide EOP
0.3
Cholesterol
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Phytosphingosine
0.3
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
0.3
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
0.3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
0.3
Magnesium Aspartate
0.3
Potassium Aspartate
0.3
Sarcosine
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Sea Whip Extract
Function:
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Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
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Ceramide AP
Function:
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Ceramide EOP
Function:
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Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
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Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
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Magnesium Aspartate
Function:
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Potassium Aspartate
Function:
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Sarcosine
Function:
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Xanthan Gum
Function:
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Carbomer
Function:
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Polysorbate 20
Function:
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PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Function:
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Disodium EDTA
Function:
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Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
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Phenoxyethanol
Function:
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Ratings

All humectants
13.3
6
2.5
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.3 10
10.0
6
2.5
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2.5
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.3 10
10
All humectants
13.3
6
2.5
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 2.4 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2.4
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2.5
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.6
Hyaluronic Acid
2.5
Beta-Glucan
2.4
Sodium Hyaluronate
1.5
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2.4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.3
2.4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Beta-Glucan
Est. %2.4
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Sea Whip Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sea Whip ExtractAn extract derived from soft sea corals called sea fans or sea whips. It allegedly contains some anti-inflammatory terpenoid compounds.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOPFormerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractAn extract from a plant known in North America as Fireweed and in Europe as Willowherb. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. Due to its abundant content of tannins and flavonoids, it has great astringent and antioxidant properties.
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl Amino AcidsDescription is coming soon
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower ExtractDescription is coming soon
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and wound healing extract derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a famous source of phytoestrogens - plant compounds that have a similar effect to steroid hormones.
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Magnesium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium AspartateA humectant salt of aspartic acid, a common amino acid found in the body. According to the manufacturer, magnesium aspartate in skincare products supports the supply of magnesium to skin cells.
Potassium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium AspartateDescription is coming soon
Sarcosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SarcosineA sweet-tasting amino acid that moisturizes the skin by attracting water to its surface. It also offers protection to the skin by stabilizing proteins against UV damage and denaturation.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-14/4 DimethiconeDescription is coming soon
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.